It's not often that an Asian golfer makes international headlines. Which is why, on those rare occasions when it does happen, we should shout it from the rooftops. To those who have studiously followed her spectacular progress via Thai newspapers and the Internet, Aree Wonglukeit's latest exploits will not come as a shock. That, though, does not make her most recent achievement any less worthy. As long ago as 1994, Aree was being widely touted as one of Asian golf's brightest hopes. Even seasoned professional coaches were hailing her prodigious talent. They said they had never seen anything quite like the natural golfing ability of her and her twin sister Naree. At the time, the girls were eight years old. The dynamic Thai duo were already sweeping all before them, winning almost every age-group tournament they were being entered into in the region. Last week, Aree, who turned 13 on May 1, moved to another level. With her stunning triumph in the US Girls' Junior Championship at Green Spring Valley Hunt Club - one of 13 national championships conducted by the United States Golf Association (USGA) - Aree wrote herself a unique page in golf's history books. Prior to arriving at the Green Spring Valley Hunt Club, it had not gone unnoticed that Aree had racked up victories in five junior events in America this year. Nevertheless, competing against girls three years her senior, Aree's prospects were viewed as slim. By defeating Nancy Abiecunas, a veritable veteran at the ripe old age of 16, two-up in the 18-hole matchplay final, the amazing Thai teenager became the youngest champion in USGA history. Aree was no less than 16 months younger than the previous youngest champion, Kay Cornelius, whose success came in 1981. Unflustered despite a poor start that saw her trail Abiecunas two-down after seven holes, Aree displayed the mettle that is evident in all champions. For the remainder of the round her play was faultless, covering the final 11 holes in four under par. 'I wanted to do well, but I didn't think I'd do this well,' said Aree, in the wake of the biggest victory of her young life. The incredible prospect of a final between the Wonglukeit sisters had been on the cards until Naree, who was born nine minutes before Aree, was forced to withdraw with an injury in the quarter-finals. That, perhaps, would have been asking too much from the girls who could go on to become golf's equivalent of the Williams sisters in tennis. Although, on this occasion, it was Aree who stole the limelight, it was a victory for the Wonglukeit family who moved to the US in August 1997. Among their many conquests from their days in Asia, they won titles in the Hong Kong Open Junior Championship. They have not stopped enjoying that winning feeling. The Wonglukeit sisters were swinging golf clubs with serious intent almost before they could walk. Their remarkable gift for the game was spotted early by their father who took the decision to relocate his family Stateside because he believed it represented the best opportunity for his daughters. It's a move that is already paying handsome dividends. So what's next for Aree and Naree? It may be a little premature for Pak Se-ri to be glancing nervously over her shoulder. But on the evidence of their continued progress it may not be long before they're brushing shoulders with the big girls who play for pay. In the meantime, though, Aree simply plans to savour the sweet taste of her success. 'This is the highlight of my summer. It's very special. It's great to win at a young age,' said Aree, who delivered a chilling warning to all those with pretensions of dethroning her. 'I have four more years to play [in this championship],' she pointed out.